Clinton praise as Obama passes victory threshold

The Democratic Party is “stronger and more vibrant” as a result of Barack Obama becoming the first African American presidential nominee of a major US party, his rival Hillary Clinton said today.

The 46-year-old Illinois senator, with his message of hope and change for America, effectively clinched the nomination on the final day of one of the closest and most expensive primary seasons in memory.

Mr Obama will now face Republican John McCain in November’s general election, which will decide who will be the 44th president of the United States.

Mr Obama repeatedly broke fundraising records during the prolonged primary season and his themes of hope and change for America captured the mood of Democratic voters.

She campaigned for months as the candidate of experience, as a former first lady and second-term senator, in a race which saw frequent arguments between the pair.

Speaking at Baruch College in her home city of New York, the former first lady said Mr Obama had “inspired so many Americans to care about politics”.

Earlier today, Mrs Clinton swiftly signalled her interest in joining his ticket as a potential vice president.